1986 Chevrolet Nova review from North America
"This car is a great bargain and very reliable"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Some of the interior trim is discolored/fading.
The clear coat on the roof is peeling badly.
The black "paint" around the right rear window is flaking off of the frame.
I had to replace the clutch and the two front axles while on a cross-country trip. (Total cost $930.00)
There are various interior rattles and squeaks (old age!)
General comments?
I paid $575.00 for this car to replace my previous two-door 1985 Toyota Tercel.
This car's miles are mostly highway miles. The original owner had an 82 mile daily commute 3 to 4 days a week - with 1 or 2 days each week commuting a total of 470 miles!
The owners son-in-law did the routine maintenance - oil changes every 2500 miles.
This car is currently using about one quart of oil every 3000 miles! (Still tight!)
This car is really a Toyota Corolla with Chevy badging! (Uses Toyota "Springer" body sheet-metal instead of standard Corolla body work.)
Obviously owner maintenance has contributed to the car's longevity - but I love Toyota reliability and this had 4 doors and air conditioning.
I get an average of 31 miles per gallon for fuel consumption.
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![]() ![]() | I love Toyotas!!! |
![]() ![]() | A cost-cut rendition of a great car |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 liter Manual |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 282000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 299120 miles |
| Previous car | Toyota Tercel |
| Date of Entry | 12th August, 2002 |

